For those who follow me on instagram, you must have realized that a few days ago I went on a trip again.To celebrate the new Lisbon - Bucharest direct flights from TAP, we were invited by the airlines company and the Romanian Ministry of Tourism to get to know the city and some secrets hidden in it. In fact I did not have a formed opinion about this city since it is not the most obvious European tourist destination. Due to the years (not so long ago) in which the Romanian people lived oppressed by the dictatorship, I had an idea that it was a country a little sad and "heavy". However, upon arrival I was very surprised. The summer weather made everything easier with a wonderful sunny 30 degrees, and we were very well received by the Romanian tourism team. On the way to the hotel we immediately noticed the beauty (and cleanliness) of this city, also called "Little Paris" due to the obvious similarities with the French capital.We were taken to the most trendy and cosmopolitan places, which allowed us to realise that the city is full of young people whirling around bars, cafes and restaurants, in which I discovered a "movida" that is not far behind near cities like Prague.The next day, the plan was to visit the local market (as you know is one of my obligatory travel sites), and choose a whole array of fresh products for our lunch at a picnic in one of the city's largest parks.Between going in and out on art and culture shops, fashion designer studios, and creative co-work spaces, I was left with the feeling that this once oppressed country had the courage to get rid of the moorings and manage to follow and reach the western countries. The last day of this trip was dedicated to a "Wine & Bike Tour" on the countryside, where after cycling for 20 km (!!!) through endless and colorful fields of sunflowers, we got in touch a little more with the history of romanian wine production (very good by the way) and we were able to enjoy a wonderful delicacy of vegetarian goods.Bucharest's farewell took place at the 2nd largest brewery in Europe, where we were able to cook with a local chef and get in touch with the best Romanian culinary tricks.A big thank you to the nice group that was part of this challenge, especially Carina, Andrada, Ana, and Sara Cabido who is the most beloved travel companion ever)

The Mulled Wine is a centuries-old European drink, usually made on the cold weather season. The recipes are many and vary from palce to place, but the essence is in the taste of hot wine with a pinch of spices. Ideal for serving at the fireplace on a Christmas Eve to warm our body and soul.

We wanted to visit this place for a long time. The tree houses and its ecological concept intrigued and marveled us at the same time.

These "eco houses", located in the heart of the Pedras Salgadas Park, whose architecture is signed by Luis Rebelo Andrade, are fully integrated in nature. It looks like we are in a parallel green reality, completely emerged in the vegetation and with a silence and peace very difficult to find in other places.

The modernly decorated houses are fully equipped with kitchenette, inviting living room and super comfortable bedrooms (ah !!! and bathrooms with underfloor heating, which made all the difference on cool evenings).

The Thermal Spa, renovated by the architect Siza Vieira, offers a wide selection of massages, thermal and aesthetic treatments, as well as an indoor pool with water circuits, sauna and Turkish bath. (I do not remember the therapist name who made me a full massage, but I assure you that she had dreamy hands that left me refreshed!).

The Park also has a large outdoor swimming pool (for those who visit in the summer), and bicycles for the whole family that allow us to visit and explore the park.

One less point has to do with the "Casa de Chá" Restaurant that did not surprise at breakfast or dinner. After all, when we travel to Trás-os-Montes, expectations are always very high, being one of the regions of our country where we eat amazing food. In this case, we advise you to look for gastronomically more attractive local restaurants.

And by the way, this is not an hotel that is accessible to any wallet or that you can visit many times, but it's worth experiencing at least once.